Guide Bridge Theatre

Name: Guide Bridge Theatre
Address: Audenshaw Rd, Audenshaw, Manchester, M34 5HJ, GB
Telephone: 0333 666 3366

ManchesterAges 3+

Courtesy of Guide Bridge Theatre

BEST FOR

Ages 3+

WHERE

Manchester

What it’s like

A proper small theatre for a first pantomime, with step-free access and only two wheelchair spaces so it pays to book ahead.

This is a small, traditional theatre rather than a big out-of-town venue, and that's part of the appeal if you want your three-year-old's first taste of panto without a cast of thousands and a car park the size of an airport. Under-3s aren't let in unless a show specifically says it's suitable for them, so check what you're booking rather than assuming. Where babes in arms are allowed, they sit free on a lap, which is a nice touch if you've got a second little one in tow.

There's a rule worth knowing before you turn up: anyone 15 or under has to be with an adult over 18, so older cousins can't shepherd younger ones in on their own. Snacks and drinks during the performance have to be bought at the bar, though you can bring your own water bottle in, which takes the edge off that rule a bit.

Access is genuinely well thought through. Step-free entry from the front door, level access through the bar and coffee lounges into the auditorium, and two wheelchair spaces in Row A. Rows further back, C to K, are up steps, so if a wheelchair or a dodgy hip is involved, Row A or B is where you want to be. The accessible toilet in the foyer doubles as the baby change, which is handy but means it can be in demand at busy times.

Parking is the one real faff. The on-site car park is small and fills quickly, so it's worth having a plan B: free street parking nearby, or the train station six minutes' walk away with 140 free spaces if you fancy arriving by rail instead of fighting for a space.

Facilities

Accessible toilet

Baby change

Food on site

Step-free access

Toilets

Wheelchair accessible

Need to know

Best for: 3 and up, though check each show allows under-3s before booking
Parking: Small on-site car park with one accessible bay (fills quickly)
Wheelchairs: Two wheelchair spaces in Row A, step-free front access, accessible toilet with handrail and emergency alarm

Row A and B are ground level; C to K need steps, so ask for the front rows if stairs are a problem
The accessible toilet in the foyer is also where baby changing is, so it can get busy
There's a Saturday Solo Club with complimentary tea, coffee and a programme if anyone's coming along on their own

Plan your visit

Can toddlers come along?

Under-3s aren't admitted unless the show is specifically listed as suitable for them, so it depends what's on. Babes in arms under 12 months get in free on a lap for shows that allow it.

Can my teenager go without me?

Over 16s can attend alone. If they're 15 or under they need an adult over 18 with them.

Can we bring snacks in?

Only food and drink bought at the bar is allowed during the performance itself. You can bring your own water bottle though.

Is there parking?

There's a small on-site car park but it fills up fast. Free street parking is nearby, or Guide Bridge Train Station has 140 free spaces about six minutes' walk away.

Is it accessible for wheelchairs?

Step-free access gets you into the foyer, bar and auditorium, with two wheelchair spaces in Row A. Rows further back are up steps, so flag it when booking if that matters.